Feast Day in St Ives
A cherished tradition in St Ives
Monday 10th February, from 9am.
Feast Day is a long-standing tradition in St Ives, celebrating the consecration of the Parish Church of St La, better known as St Eia from 1434. This historic event is marked with a unique celebration that includes a lively game of hurling on the beach just below the church.
The day begins with a procession starting at the Guildhall between 9:15-9:30 where local children, accompanied by musicians, lead a beautiful dance through the cobbled streets and winding alleyways of St Ives. The dancers are adorned with ivy headbands and satin sashes in honour of St Eia, the towns Patron who is believed by many to have crossed the sea on a boat made of ivy, a story that continues to inspire the cherished tradition.
The highlight of the day is the Hurling of the Silver ball which takes place at 10:30am on the beach to the rear of St Eia Church. The mayor of St Ives will start the game by throwing the silver ball, made from two hammered hemispheres held together with a silver band, into the excited crowd below. Hurling was originally a rough and physical contest between two teams, but this modern-day tradition is a much more safe and enjoyable game. Children and teenagers run through the town attempting to keep possession of the ball before returning it back to the Mayor, who waits at The Guildhall at the stroke of noon. As part of this great tradition, pennies are also dropped into the crowds from the balcony of the town hall.
This is truly a special tradition and an experience not to be missed. It’s a fun day out for all! For more details, including event timings, locations and road closures, visit The St Ives Town Council website using the link below.
https://stivestowncouncil-cornwall.gov.uk/civic_events/st-ives-feast-day-celebrations/
We hope to see you there!
Daisy x
